Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress recognizes leadership in digital security
Abertis cybersecurity chief named Global CISO of the Year
Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress (BCC) today announced the winners of the 2026 CISO Leadership Awards, which recognize professionals, organizations and initiatives contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity worldwide. Olga Forné, Global CISO of the Abertis Group, received the top honor, the Global CISO of the Year Award, in an edition that featured 28 finalists across seven categories.
Olga Forné received the 2026 Global CISO of the Year Award in recognition of her work to establish Information Security Management as a strategic function within her company. The five candidates shortlisted for the award included security leaders from international companies and organizations such as Puig, Grupo Argal, Interpol and CH Media.
María Luisa Redondo Velázquez of TK Elevator received the Next-Generation Cyber Defense & Innovation Award, a category recognizing projects that are redefining digital defense against emerging threats through new models and technologies. The Women in Cybersecurity Leadership Award went to Connie McIntosh of Ericsson in recognition of her leadership and ability to drive transformation across the industry.
Talent, innovation and a strong cybersecurity culture
The CISO Leadership Awards also recognized initiatives related to cybersecurity in the public sector, innovation in the protection of operational technology (OT), talent development and the promotion of a strong digital security culture. The awards in these categories went to David Esteban of Barcelona City Council, Jorge Jiménez of Schneider Electric and Farell Folly of TÜV-SÜD, respectively.
Finally, Jody Blanchard of Werfen received the awards’ honorary distinction in recognition of a career dedicated to the field of digital security.
The 2026 CISO Leadership Awards ceremony took place this afternoon at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue as part of Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, bringing together leading information security executives from around the world.
Jointly organized by Fira de Barcelona and the Cybersecurity Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress runs until tomorrow at the Gran Via venue alongside Smart City Expo World Congress.
Barcelona, 4 November 2026
Edu Pérez Moya
93 233 21 66
[email protected]